Keraia
Exodus 28

Exodus 28:29

The Breastpiece · Exodus 28:15–30
Read Exodus 28

Translations

Modern
Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.
Traditional
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.
Literal
And Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place, for a memorial before the face of YHWH continually.
Latin
Portabitque Aaron nomina filiorum Israël in rationali judicii super pectus suum, quando ingredietur Sanctuarium, memoriale coram Domino in æternum.

Original

Hebrew
English
Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he shall bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of judgment, as a continual reminder before the LORD.

Notes

Exodus 28:29

The high priest would go into the Holy Place (the outer room of the sanctuary) to trim the lamp, replace the bread on the table, and replenish the incense on the altar that stood outside the Most Holy Place.

Exodus 28:15–30

The breastpiece receives more attention than any other item. This suggests the breastpiece was very important.

The breastpiece symbolized the priest's representation of Israel (28:17–21, 29). It held the Urim and Thummim, objects through which God revealed his will (28:30).

The high priest had two main tasks. First, he brought the people to God. He represented them before the Lord.

Second, he brought God’s word to the people. He spoke to them on God’s behalf.

The chestpiece stood for both of these duties. It showed that the high priest served as a bridge between God and the people.

Exodus 28:1–43

These holy garments for Aaron were to distinguish him as a priest set apart (Hebrew qadash, “consecrated”) for the Lord's service (28:2, 3). The beauty of these garments matched the beauty of the Tent of Meeting, which was God's portable earthly palace (or tabernacle).

One day, Jesus Christ, the true High Priest, would enter the Most Holy Place once for all. Then the difference between priests and people would disappear (Hebrews 10:11–22). Until then, human mediators represented how Christ would fulfill the types of wonderful things God accomplishes for his people.

Events

Parallels

Exodus 39:8–21

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Places

Holy Place: The inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle and Temple

Glossary

Aaron Beauty Biblical Concept of Law Book of Exodus Deuteronomy, Book of Ephod (Garment) History of Israel Leviticus, Book of Memorial Tabernacle Temple

Topics

Breastplate: for High Priest: Directions for the Making of Breastplate: Worn As a Memorial Church: Holy Place Ephod: A Sacred Vestment Worn by the High Priest: Breastplate Attached To Holy of Holies was Called The: Holy Place Intercession of Man with God Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Vestments of Priest: The Time of Moses: Vestments of The High Priest: Duties of Bearing Before the Lord the Names of Israel for a Memorial The High Priest: Special Garments of Breastplate The High Priest: Typified Christ in Bearing the Names of Israel Upon his Heart Types of the Saviour: High Priest, Typical of the Mediatorship